The Four Noble Truths are not mere doctrinal propositions but a framework for understanding and transforming our lives.

Real happiness comes from having an unshakable connection to the deep wellspring of peace and happiness that is not dependent on external conditions.

Not knowing how near the truth is, we seek it far away.

The goal of meditation is not to achieve a blank mind, but to gain insight into the nature of mind itself.

The cultivation of loving-kindness is the thread that runs through all Buddhist teachings.

When I run from suffering, it follows me. When I face suffering with equanimity, it runs from me.

In my youth I studied, in my prime I practiced, now all my doubts are cleared.

When you begin to see that your enemy is suffering, that is the beginning of insight.

If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.

The mind is like a room with many windows. Open them all and let the fresh air in.

The Buddha's teachings are not about abandoning our lives but about bringing the fullness of our attention to our lives.

Whatever we do, we should see ourselves. Reading books doesn't show us our defilements. Watch yourself. Watch your mind.

The whole path of mindfulness is about letting go. We let go of our attachment to our views, our attachment to our opinions, our attachment to our ideas.

The Buddha's teaching is not about belief but about investigation, not about accepting but about examining.

Technical knowledge is not enough. One must transcend techniques so that the art becomes an artless art, growing out of the unconscious.

Ethical conduct is not a constraint upon our freedom but a condition of our freedom.

The path to liberation is through understanding the true nature of mind and matter through direct observation.

Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give your whole heart and soul to it.

The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.

Every moment of confusion is also a moment of wisdom, if we can learn to recognize it.

The past is for learning from, not for living in.

Everybody has the light of Buddha within, but they don't look for it.

Just as a snake sheds its skin, we must shed our past over and over again.

People who study a lot but don't practice are like a ladle in a soup pot. It's in the soup every day, but it doesn't know the taste of the soup.

The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred.

Meditation is the ultimate mobile device; you can use it anywhere, anytime, unobtrusively.

True happiness is not found through the multiplication of desires but through their simplification.

The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater our own sense of well-being becomes.

The purpose of our lives is to be happy.

The best way to control people is to encourage them to be mischievous. Then they will be in control in a wider sense.

Recognize the emptiness of all phenomena, but do not become attached to emptiness itself.

When you realize the emptiness of all phenomena, compassion will arise in your heart for all sentient beings who do not understand this truth.

The present moment is the only moment available to us, and it is the door to all moments.